Bowlers not carrying a mental block - Ashwin

It's déjà vu all over again for the Indian bowlers. They have had Australia down at 6 for 214 and 4 for 27 at the MCG, 3 for 37 at the SCG, and 3 for 84 here at the Adelaide Oval, only to let the game slip away. R Ashwin, who took two of those three early wickets today, admitted that the side rued letting Australia off the hook, but insisted it wasn't a block in their minds.

"I don't think as a bowling unit we have a psychological block towards that," Ashwin said. "But we were definitely telling each other and egging each other on in the second session that we had to be tight in that particular phase after lunch, which was quite crucial. Actually that's where we shelled the game a little bit.

"We gave quite a few easy runs to both of them, and they just took off from there. After that point it was quite easy to carry the momentum. So it's not like it is a block, but it has happened in two Tests now, once in Sydney, and now in Adelaide. (We will) probably look to get a couple of wickets tomorrow."

Ashwin, though, drew hope from the fact that things couldn't get far worse than they already are. "I think we have nothing to lose at this point of time," he said. "We are 3-0 down. I think it gives us a bit of license to be very carefree about it, and go out and play the natural game, which can be a real blessing in disguise for us. All that is important is to get those first 20-30 runs, and really stick it out. I think we'll have to try and look at those initial starts and capitalise on that."

Ashwin said seniors in the side were of the view that the game could change pretty quickly if they competed with the bat in the first innings. "There are a few seniors in the team who have already told us about how the first innings pans out at the Adelaide Oval, and how good it is to bat on, on the first three days of the game, and then it really changes," Ashwin said. "We are confident, and we are going to try to pick up two early wickets tomorrow."

Ashwin insisted, though, that they were not embarrassed by the performance in Australia. "Two teams play; one has to lose," he said. "It's fine. Nobody is embarrassed in the dressing room. Quite happy to keep coming out and keep trying again and again. Things will turn around some time. Nobody is embarrassed. Very sure about that."

This has to be one of th worst Indian cricket team of all time. This is even worse than the early 80's and 90's.

dummy4fb
on January 25, 2012, 0:17 GMT

LOL!!! Ashwin is gone crazy...if this is not embarrassing thn the defeats that Bangladesh had are way much better. Honestly after listening to his comments that too a player of the world champions team, I don't think I shud be EMBARRASSED whnever my team loses. Im wondering, will they take the test status of India now? :D

dummy4fb
on January 25, 2012, 0:04 GMT

In my mind this is a result of T20, IPL and all those T20 related events. Young players are interested in how much they can earn. They know that they can perform like some high school kids in test matches but go on to make millions in the shorter version of the game. There was a time when players killed (figuratively) to play for their respective countries and do their best to perform well in that stage. Sad to see that it has turn into a "who gets paid the most" game now. Chris Gayle is a perfect example for this.

Rooboy
on January 25, 2012, 0:02 GMT

lol AidanFX, that's exactly what I was going to write. And if Aus do win in india, then we'll hear about how india will win next time, or how they won in the past, or anything other than addressing the current situation and maybe giving credit to the opposition. @IndnCrktfan - you're in denial. You keep talking about overseas form but you're ignoring that in recent months, Aus won a series in Sri Lanka, and drew their series in SA. Even the embarrasing 47 all out capitulation only resulted in an 8 wicket loss, not consecutive innings losses. It's idiotic to whine about double standards because the situations are not comparable ... I can guarantee that if Aus lost 7 or 8 tests in a row, several by an innings with giving a yelp, there would be A LOT written about it

nikhilshahb
on January 24, 2012, 23:42 GMT

With teams like NZ winning in Australia, and Pak against England, the problem
with this Indian team is psychological. Teams like NZ and Pak are weaker than India. The gap between FC cricket in India and international is purely
psychological. Similarly the home to overseas gap is mental in nature.

The media, players and officials have always engaged in hyping up pitches
to be quick and pace and bounce being a problem. But there were no demons
in the pitch which shows that the mental aspect of becoming tentative
affected the Indian top-order.

The two main areas are, individual mental toughness and team dynamics.
For a players personality, the form of the players, compusure, discipline, fear, motivation,positive thinking, self confidence and belief, temperament, focus, patience, will power, morale and anger control are personality issues composed in a team as a collective unit.

Stevo_
on January 24, 2012, 23:22 GMT

Why does Sachin never do press conferences ?

Optimistix
on January 24, 2012, 23:00 GMT

Pathetic - any team which is not hurt or embarrassed after 7 consecutive losses abroad should not be playing. Anyone who thought Ashwin was the new Kumble an think again - Kumble would have been hurting bad. As I'm sure are Sachin, Dravid, and Laxman - we'll find out in the course of time.

As for Aus, credit where due - but I think it's mainly their bowling which has improved, though it shall be better tested by a more patient batting unit. The Aussie batting remains brittle, it's just that India currently can't sustain the pressure for long - I wouldn't back the Aussie batting lineup against Eng, Pak or SA over a series. Their bowling will let them compete against anyone, but the days of dominance won't return with this level of batting.

maxymax
on January 24, 2012, 22:44 GMT

@Koushik Yeluri, Yes, literally every school kid in India, from my personal experience, wants to play cricket only the T20 style and make it to IPL. Why? Because it's easy and no hard work or technique and become millionaires like STR, Dhoni, Bhajji, Yuvi and the gang. At least STR worked for it very hard and proved himself in every form of the game. Forget these big names, even yesterdays kids like the Kholis, Rainas, Ashwins have raked in enough money. For what?

SanjivAwesome
on January 24, 2012, 22:27 GMT

Ashwin has telegraphed that this India team has no fear of failure. Pathetic under-performance and under-motivation. I will now stop following this test match for the next 4 days.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 22:08 GMT

Learn to bend down properly and field the ball clean first. Talking big words does not hide you from on-field cameras. I think my 8-yr old can out-pace you in the field.

here2rock
on January 25, 2012, 3:19 GMT

This has to be one of th worst Indian cricket team of all time. This is even worse than the early 80's and 90's.

dummy4fb
on January 25, 2012, 0:17 GMT

LOL!!! Ashwin is gone crazy...if this is not embarrassing thn the defeats that Bangladesh had are way much better. Honestly after listening to his comments that too a player of the world champions team, I don't think I shud be EMBARRASSED whnever my team loses. Im wondering, will they take the test status of India now? :D

dummy4fb
on January 25, 2012, 0:04 GMT

In my mind this is a result of T20, IPL and all those T20 related events. Young players are interested in how much they can earn. They know that they can perform like some high school kids in test matches but go on to make millions in the shorter version of the game. There was a time when players killed (figuratively) to play for their respective countries and do their best to perform well in that stage. Sad to see that it has turn into a "who gets paid the most" game now. Chris Gayle is a perfect example for this.

Rooboy
on January 25, 2012, 0:02 GMT

lol AidanFX, that's exactly what I was going to write. And if Aus do win in india, then we'll hear about how india will win next time, or how they won in the past, or anything other than addressing the current situation and maybe giving credit to the opposition. @IndnCrktfan - you're in denial. You keep talking about overseas form but you're ignoring that in recent months, Aus won a series in Sri Lanka, and drew their series in SA. Even the embarrasing 47 all out capitulation only resulted in an 8 wicket loss, not consecutive innings losses. It's idiotic to whine about double standards because the situations are not comparable ... I can guarantee that if Aus lost 7 or 8 tests in a row, several by an innings with giving a yelp, there would be A LOT written about it

nikhilshahb
on January 24, 2012, 23:42 GMT

With teams like NZ winning in Australia, and Pak against England, the problem
with this Indian team is psychological. Teams like NZ and Pak are weaker than India. The gap between FC cricket in India and international is purely
psychological. Similarly the home to overseas gap is mental in nature.

The media, players and officials have always engaged in hyping up pitches
to be quick and pace and bounce being a problem. But there were no demons
in the pitch which shows that the mental aspect of becoming tentative
affected the Indian top-order.

The two main areas are, individual mental toughness and team dynamics.
For a players personality, the form of the players, compusure, discipline, fear, motivation,positive thinking, self confidence and belief, temperament, focus, patience, will power, morale and anger control are personality issues composed in a team as a collective unit.

Stevo_
on January 24, 2012, 23:22 GMT

Why does Sachin never do press conferences ?

Optimistix
on January 24, 2012, 23:00 GMT

Pathetic - any team which is not hurt or embarrassed after 7 consecutive losses abroad should not be playing. Anyone who thought Ashwin was the new Kumble an think again - Kumble would have been hurting bad. As I'm sure are Sachin, Dravid, and Laxman - we'll find out in the course of time.

As for Aus, credit where due - but I think it's mainly their bowling which has improved, though it shall be better tested by a more patient batting unit. The Aussie batting remains brittle, it's just that India currently can't sustain the pressure for long - I wouldn't back the Aussie batting lineup against Eng, Pak or SA over a series. Their bowling will let them compete against anyone, but the days of dominance won't return with this level of batting.

maxymax
on January 24, 2012, 22:44 GMT

@Koushik Yeluri, Yes, literally every school kid in India, from my personal experience, wants to play cricket only the T20 style and make it to IPL. Why? Because it's easy and no hard work or technique and become millionaires like STR, Dhoni, Bhajji, Yuvi and the gang. At least STR worked for it very hard and proved himself in every form of the game. Forget these big names, even yesterdays kids like the Kholis, Rainas, Ashwins have raked in enough money. For what?

SanjivAwesome
on January 24, 2012, 22:27 GMT

Ashwin has telegraphed that this India team has no fear of failure. Pathetic under-performance and under-motivation. I will now stop following this test match for the next 4 days.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 22:08 GMT

Learn to bend down properly and field the ball clean first. Talking big words does not hide you from on-field cameras. I think my 8-yr old can out-pace you in the field.

Potatis
on January 24, 2012, 22:06 GMT

killbillgbu is right, India don't care. A couple of people brought up that Australia lost to NZ recently. They didn't lose the series, just one game, and lost just by 7 runs. The Australian players were very disappointed, they didn't pretend all was fine it was just one game. They made it known that it hurt, and they even had the batting camp that everyone laughed at. They didn't have to do that, but it sent a message that Australia want to win. They lost one game, only just, not thrashed, and it hurt. India are 7 thrashings down, and it doesn't seem to matter. The team is in good spirits.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 22:02 GMT

I'll be watching Pak Vs Eng game tonight.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 21:23 GMT

Very poor comments from Ashwin. Why is he giving these conferences? Perhaps because none of the seniors dare face the media!!!!

bingohaley
on January 24, 2012, 20:55 GMT

@Koushik Yeluri which part of "every kid" did you not understand?

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 20:52 GMT

Can someone tie his hands to his legs at these press conferences??

killbillgbu
on January 24, 2012, 19:59 GMT

These comments from Ashwin tells the story of the Indian cricket team. You get embarassed ONLY IF YOU CARE. These Richie rich guys DO NOT CARE. NON CARING TEAMS LOSE! No rocket science...
You need to do things differently to expect different results. One of them is team selection. Another is approach to the game. The latter should be split into several strategies and sub plots. Each should be analyzed and changes brought in. You never make sweeping changes if you fail once or twice. However, if you fail 7 times and still not even do 1 thing differently and you say we are NOT EMBARASSED, then we know there is no hope for you....

amitksingh
on January 24, 2012, 19:56 GMT

the team is performing patheticALLY, bowlers and batsman all are hopeless. BCCI must throw out all who are on vacation in Australia. LOSING OR WINNING DONT MATTER. I personally feel embarrassing to see our players are even not fighting.

Chris_P
on January 24, 2012, 19:50 GMT

@Front-Foot-Lunge . Didn't you predict 2-0 or 3-0 to India over a very average Australian team? You, my friend have been bad mouthing the Aussie team as much as our other friend Gupta (who has gone into hiding). Try to get over the bitterness & just appreciate the high quality cricket Austra;lia is showing. Yes, last season we were poor, (still thumped England in Perth though) but this team is far different in both personnel & attitude, & you know what else? We still have Cummins , Watson & Pattinson out! Australian cricket is back on the rise again, they showed it by coming back form that horrific debacle to beat Sth Africa in the 2nd test & beat the Lankans in their back yard, something India hasn't done since 1996. Unfortunately, Indian cricket is in freefall, which is a shame as world cricket needs a strong India.

thescorpio
on January 24, 2012, 19:46 GMT

You just lost my respect, Ashwin. Are you kidding me? If you are not embarassed by the team's 7-0 overseas performance, when will you ever be? This kind of "bindhas" (it's in the blood) Indian attitude does no good at all.
How on earth are we going to win Test Matches when the Captain removes slips with in the 1st session of a game...I thought Dhoni was the worst, but now I have to take my words back looking at Sehwag's ..Too bad too many guys competing for that "worst" tag.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 19:37 GMT

2003-04 at adelaide..ricky ponting scored 257..australia all ot for 556...dravid comes out and scores 233..india 533 all out...australia was all out for 196 in the second innings and india won the test..history might not repeat..but indian batting has to fire this time around!!

Naresh28
on January 24, 2012, 19:31 GMT

On OVERSEAS tracks India needs a fast bowler like ATUL SHARMA backed up
by good feilders like Raina.After the this series the likes of Shewag, Dravid, Laxman, Sachin, Dhoni, Gambhir, Ishant, Zaks all need to go. Lets have a new
team built around Kholi, Rohit, Yadav,Pujara,Raina.

GravyMon
on January 24, 2012, 19:23 GMT

Sounds very much like the mindset of a team already beaten and hog-tied. It's not a mental block, it's a mind already surrendered to despair! I am beginning to lose respect for India's kind of fighting spirit. At first I thought a draw was possible here, now I'm not so sure.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 19:05 GMT

@maxyman,wat do u mean by EVERY KID..!!

amit.80s
on January 24, 2012, 19:00 GMT

This guy make me laugh first of all they only want two wickets but actually they need 7 to bowl aus out but I think they r going to wait for declaration. Secondly there are a few seniors in the team who have already told us about how the first innings pans out at the Adelaide Oval, and how good it is to bat on, on the first three days of the game, and then it really changes," Ashwin said. Ok so Aus will bat for 3 days and then when wicket changes they will bowl India out twice to complete the whitewash. And lastly Ashwin insisted, though, that they were not embarrassed by the performance in Australia. "Two teams play; one has to lose," he said. "It's fine. Nobody is embarrassed in the dressing room. Well done guys u r not embarrassed but the billion people at home are but u guys don't care about that and why u guys have to be the losing side always when two teams plays.

ngogi
on January 24, 2012, 18:50 GMT

If Indians need to win they need to learn how to do basic bowling. They do not bowl Yorkers, they do not bowl into block hole and they do not bowl out cutter. How do you expect to win test match with out surprise weapons?

ccriccfan
on January 24, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Yes, Indian team should be embarrassed! All people who are saying otherwise should watch recordings from the match when Australia lost to SA recently. Michael Clark, stood up and faced the facts straight up. These were his words "century to me means nothing when my teams looses this badly, i am totally ashamed of my team's performance". Come next match they crushed SA. That's the attitude that win you matches instead of being ignorant and not embarrassed about the mess you are in.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 18:30 GMT

The game can still change. If India pick 2 early wickets tomorrow, they might bowl out Austrlalia for say 450 and then bat on to make 600! Then on 5th day they can try to bowl Australia out. Possible I say!

Kaze
on January 24, 2012, 18:01 GMT

There is no mental block it's just that they are not good enough. And I foresee India getting a thrashing like this at home in the near future.

ccriccfan
on January 24, 2012, 18:00 GMT

They would be embarrassed if they really cared, period! There is no shame in admitting you have been thoroughly outclassed. It is those feelings that make you win matches, when you are down and out. Not embarrassed or not caring meaning one and the same, no wonder Indian cricket will never improve!

maxymax
on January 24, 2012, 17:45 GMT

"It's fine. Nobody is embarrassed in the dressing room…." What else do you expect from a country where every school kid dreams of dropping out of school, play IPL and get rich overnight!

Rahulbose
on January 24, 2012, 17:33 GMT

I feel sorry for him, what else could he have said. By now everyone knows this Indian side is a minnow wrapped in No 2 ranking and age old career stats. As fans lets just give them a break and hope India build a decent squad after getting rid of the old guys.

Shan156
on January 24, 2012, 17:23 GMT

@IndnCrktfan, it is double standards alright but English/Aussie supporters aren't alone responsible for that. Every time England wins at home, you guys claim that we only win at home. When we lost the first test to Pak in Dubai, no English fan claimed that Pakistan won only because they are familiar with the conditions. Every comment I saw praised Pakistan for their win. At the end of the day, a win is a win. You may be familiar with the conditions but you still have to put in the effort to win the game on the field. I do agree that there is not one team right now which can rightfully claim to be #1 as every team is finding it difficult to win in the other teams' backyard.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 17:15 GMT

I can't exactly get what is he trying to say when he says that as we are 3-0 down we can play our natural game...what type of game does he play when they lead in a series and what type of game has helped him to play for India..Me being the simple cricket fan thinks that he should always be playing his natural game

USIndianFan
on January 24, 2012, 17:14 GMT

On reading the commentary, it is pretty obvious that the Indians are being lackadaisical in the field and in need of better leadership. I think a change in the coach and captain may be needed. As Kapil Dev said, this is the same team that was winning sometime ago. Of course, the big difference is that the batting has come apart at the seams, the captaincy seems very defensive and the fielding is not clamping down (in fact the older players seem to be doing a more professional job).

Some hacking (maybe firing of some players for poor performance), a change in leadership and definitely a new coach.

NeoMac
on January 24, 2012, 17:01 GMT

It is funny how everyone says India is the only team that is failing abroad. Change your reference frame guys.. None of the teams are good enough in foreign soil.. None are like the great West Indian/Australian team of the past. India actually came close to proving themselves abroad and no one likes it. so the talk of how they are failing now.. But that being said I must say that the seniors in the Indian team are majorly responsible for the current state. They have nothing to loose and thus are not serious enough. Always giving false reassurance to the young guys as to why it makes sense to perform badly... They have achieved everything and will eventually leave.. but their current mindset will stay with the rest.. excuses wont do anybody ay good. Go out there and fight like it is your last test match.. Luck will automatically come your way. Feel what Saurav Ganguly made the team feel in 2001... you have done it before you can do it again..

Crictragic1
on January 24, 2012, 17:01 GMT

Ashwin - As someone who has been following your bowling for 2-3 years now, and has been singing your praise, I will give you one bit of advice. You are bowling too defensively. You should spin the occasional ball more; and look at where your fielders are. Many times, fielders were not in the right place; and the message the batsmen clearly get is that you are trying to contain; rather than attack. Dhoni and you are both mentally spoilt by the shorter versions of the game. Admit it to yourself and attack with an attitude - every ball should take a wicket. Where is that 'glint' and determination in your eyes that I could see earlier?

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 16:53 GMT

before the start of match i was expecting this will be a good match because wicket is batting track but now i can say this with certainty india has no chance to win this match they can lose this match or maximum draw this match .if they draw it will be equal to win ,i think so

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 16:41 GMT

@IndnCrktfan : It's not that only away teams are winning all the matches in 2-3 days. Srilanka is having the worst phase in recent times. Even they managed to beat SA in a test & couple of ODIs. Newzealand won in Australia, Australia won in South Africa. We need not win all the matches or any of them. But atleast show some fight. Indian teams performance is embarrassing. There is no doubt about that. We are really flat track bullies. India wouldn't have won the world cup if it wasn't played in India. The only Indian team which had some fire in them was the one under Ganguly. These guys are reluctant to even dive to stop a boundary.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 16:22 GMT

bring back IR FAN. get rid of dhoni...... Indian team which can succeed in any condition.....GIVE SACHIN CAPTAINCY AND MAKE VIRAT VICE CAPTAIN...GIVE SACHIN FULL AUTHORITY AND LET HIM DO WHAT HE WANTS TO DO FOR INDIAS FUTURE BEFORE HE RETIRES. HE DESERVES THAT:
1) UTHAPPA 2) RAHANE 3) Virat(V.C) 4) SACHIN(C) 5) SEHWAG 6) ROHIT 7)KARTHIK(W.K). 8) IR FAN 9) ASHWIN 10) ZAHEER 11) YADAV .
extra pool: ISHANT, PRAVEEN, ARON, OJHA, M.VIJAY, BADRINATH...CHOSE 11 FROM THIS POOL DEPENDING ON FORM AND PITCH. REASONS THEY WILL BE GUD TEAM: 1) CAN BE ONE OF BEST FIELDING SIDE 2) LONG BATTING LINE UP 3) LOT of Bowling options 4) AGE IS ON THEIR SIDE( EXCEPT SACHIN, ZAHEER AND SEHWAG: BADRINATH , ARON AND M.vijay can easily fill the gap IN A YEAR OR 2.
YUVRAJ AND HARBHAJAN SINGH SHOLUD GET ONE MORE CHANCE BECAUSE OF THEIR ATTITUDE WHICH INDIA IS LACKING RITE NOW...I BET IFGANGULY,YUVRAJ, HARBHAJAN WERE IN THESE CURRENT AUS TOURING TEAM. THE RESULT WOULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING ELSE.GIVE UR THOUGHT!!!

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 16:16 GMT

No change in strategy...same team...same results....

amarnath79
on January 24, 2012, 16:05 GMT

Wish Bhajji was there- not only is he still India's best spinner but his agressive attitude has always bothered the Australians, especially Ricky Ponting.

StatisticsRocks
on January 24, 2012, 15:37 GMT

@Aidan, you make me Laugh. Where do u think Aus is creaming India right now, It is in their backyard. So did the English. Every single team of this era are kings on their home ground and not abroad. That is why it is called Home Court Advantage. Look Wtaht Pak is doing to England. They cannot play on flat turning traks and yet Indians r dubbed as home bullies or flat trakk bullies...pathetic double standards.

samudralakiku
on January 24, 2012, 15:32 GMT

I am sure India is aiming to take another 2 wickets in this game for 400 more runs tomorrow. Its pity that no one in the dressing room is embarrassed by this performance. Certainly telling about the state of Indian cricket. After a year or so, BCCI could push to the elimination of Test Cricket as India will be ranked amount the bottom 3 or 2.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 15:24 GMT

Congratulations Team India! You have successfully carried out the BCCI's plan to kill off Test cricket. Test cricket is dead. Long live the IPL!

nachami
on January 24, 2012, 15:19 GMT

People will never change. Please listen to his interview. It is so simple and honest without mixing anything. It is very sad that YOU INTELLIGENT people can't even understan that there is a question from the media which warranted that reply. If media ask in public "is it not embarasing"", will a player say YES? Is that what you will reply to your employer PUBLICALLY? It is pathetic that you people cannot even have empathy towards people. The same team won world cup.. it is a bad batch. They will bounce back. Encourage the team instead of talking like an illiterate..

Cric_Tic
on January 24, 2012, 15:16 GMT

No matter who the captain of the side..still the team is rudderless.. Dear ST,VVS,RD,Zaheer,VS - whts the use of experience and tons of runs..if you all can't show the togetherness in the field when team is in trouble. Poor guy ashwin..he is one of few who has done some good atleast on field and hence has to face media..!! Coach should help even the so called legends to get adjusted to the shot selection and the length bowled by the bowlers. it is not the question of capabality but of attitude to learn.

big_cheese
on January 24, 2012, 15:01 GMT

"egging each other on in the second session that we had to be tight in that particular phase after lunch, which was quite crucial..."
""We gave quite a few easy runs to both of them..."
Who sends this guy for press conferences?
It wouldn't hurt to be honest at times. One wouldn't lose 4 tests in a row in such a disgraceful fashion, if one is really putting in the necessary effort.

Australia have beaten India and they have beaten India BLACK, BLUE & BROWN.

eyballfallenout
on January 24, 2012, 14:57 GMT

guys, cmon. don't be so down your team. 335/3 in Adelaide day one is a par score, you guys are still way in this game.

ShashReddy
on January 24, 2012, 14:56 GMT

The Indian team body language itself suggests that they are ready for losing 4-0. Umesh Yadav bowling is horrible on first day. I don't how can we take him for One Day's. No one has clue that why rohith sharma is not playing. they are extending laxman's career by giving one more chance . after this test we don't have test matches for another 8 months. our seniors don't have any plans to retire. I wanted to see rahul,tendulkar,laxman to retire after this match.

Front-Foot-Lunge
on January 24, 2012, 14:55 GMT

@ David_Boon, now that's the kind of mentality that puts Australia way below England. Check out the last Ashes.

ShrikantG
on January 24, 2012, 14:49 GMT

Come-on guys, Indian team is already down and we all know this is the best team we can have. This is the time when they need our support, positive thoughts, back them up.

CRICKETPOWER001
on January 24, 2012, 14:48 GMT

Ever Since Gary Kristen left as Indian Coach, India completely look weak side...Under Gary Kristen we won world cup and was No 1 Test Side for 2 yrs... Now we are weaker side in all forms of the game... India need better coach or mentor...to bring out their talent again....

makmakmak
on January 24, 2012, 14:47 GMT

@crytosis,

Its not the matter of giving credit to opponents, India has been doing that all along Aus tour in every press meet. The problem lies in giving up meekly, there is no fight, no toughness , not showing challenge, uncompetitive, boring, no spirit, no tactics, not at all thinking.I mean just think about it, If Sehwag is failing as an opener try moving him down, if Ishant is bowling so bad try another spinner. If Laxman is playing pathetic try Rohit Sharma. There is nothing this Indian team is trying , seems like they are not there to win.
Einstien quote "Foolish is something you keep re-doing the same thing again and again , and expecting different results"

wolf777
on January 24, 2012, 14:42 GMT

Nothing new. It's been story of Indian bowling in all seven defeats. What else you can expect with only four bowlers? Short of a fifth bowling option, Indian bowlers are always over-worked and tired.

ShrikantG
on January 24, 2012, 14:42 GMT

I am not sure why all of you are behind the three senior players. Do we seriously think that absence of these three players would have made the difference in the results we had in last 7 overseas test matches? May be, may be not....but irrespective of the results people would have commented on stupidity of dropping three biggies. So guys chilled down, its just a game. Look at the England team for the instance, they outplayed opponents from asia on their home soil, and now spinning everywhere, nothing has changed in the team, it is just a venue.

India may win or loose, but definitely we can not question the service given by the likes of Laxman, Dravid and Tendulkar. Its the same Laxman who saved India many a times in the second innings, played with the broken back.

Mistakes happens from everyone and bad phases comes in everyone's life, this is the time we need to support them to go up.

Adnan143
on January 24, 2012, 14:41 GMT

mental block is not with the bowler we know they have limited abalities, block (both mental and physical) is with our great and classy batting line up they just can't score anymore, do anyone know the answer

itsthewayuplay
on January 24, 2012, 14:39 GMT

If I earned the kind of money that these ptlayers regardless of how I performed, I don't think I would be embarassed either. That's human nature and is the same in any overpaid job. Look at England football players and the amount of money they earn compared to the way they perform. Is there any difference between them and our Indian cricketers?

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 14:29 GMT

Why is "nobody embarrassed"? Are they aware of what's actually happening??? Somebody in the Indian dressing room better get "embarrassed" otherwise the team will think its okay to lose in such a spectacular fashion and they'll just keep right on doing it!!!

zico123
on January 24, 2012, 14:24 GMT

BCCI pls stop this torture which is going on for 8 consecutive overseas Test matches, either do something to about it or scrap all future overseas Test series of India, we viewers can't take this anymore, it is painful to watch them

Cric_Tic
on January 24, 2012, 14:22 GMT

Clearly shows the team wants to finish off ( complete the defeat or draw as early as they can ) and look forward to One-day series. Ashwin is comming for press meet as he has done something good from indian team persepective. Also clear is tht no matter who captains the team, still the team is rudderless. Dear ST,VVS,RD,Zaheer,VS - wht is the use of experience and tons of runs if they can't show n express togetherness in the field along with their captain??

There is no intent from Indian team. They look look lifeless as a rock on the field and nothing to show for with the bat. I just can't for the Indian coach to leave becasue I think he is the worst coach ever. Look what happened to Emgland in the Past. Indian team is going the same path and will loose legends like Dravid, Laxman and Tendulkar. Wake up and start making bold decisions. Just because he is white he can do miracles for the team. Just Embarrassing that the world champions have lost seven straight test in foreign and on thier way to lose the eight one too. Job well done Fletcher.........

Srinisekar
on January 24, 2012, 13:24 GMT

I want another test with swapping of bowlers . We are tired of these comments and really want to know whether our batsmen or bowlers are pathetic or most probably both. So another test with a side of Indian bats , Australian bowlers and vice versa. BCCI please approach ACB and have a test to take stock of our team.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 13:20 GMT

Absolutely fantastic, now that we re 3-0 down, we got license to play better? With the Indian cricket team current mentality it almost seems as if intelligence is a. Factor we v lost instead of being able to bat ,bowl,field .

crystosis
on January 24, 2012, 13:15 GMT

Frankly I am revolted by the Indian fans attitude. It is a flat deck and it is not the first time this has happened. Give some credit to the best players in the Australian team on a flat deck at home on a winning spree.

Bala74
on January 24, 2012, 13:09 GMT

"Two teams play; one has to lose". I dont think Ashwin still gets the point. I wouldn't be complaining if India competed well and still the result was 3-0. If every test was decided on the last session of play, the last wicket, the last few runs and we ended up on the wrong side, then we can say 'Ah well! We were just plain unlucky'. If this was football, we were beaten 10-0 every game of the season or Tennis, top seed beaten 6-0,6-0,6-0 in all four grand slams!

ajmal1988
on January 24, 2012, 13:09 GMT

Why is ashwin talking all the time? what about letting these seniors come forward and give comments. Always see this freshy on press conferences and interviews. Should be embarrassed given the inexperienced aussie team. Where are those who said 2-1 to india in this series? what a joke. Don't think india can trash australia 4-0 in even India. They are not that good in home conditions, they just know how to draw at home. didnt impress against WI

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:59 GMT

Embarrassment comes to people with honour and not to all.Our neighbours embarrassed the English but only Ashwin can come out with no guilt even after losing 4-0 once more. Lads have a nice time in the dressing room with those three oldies who would never leave the team unless they are forced to! The whole nation is there to feel the embarrassment then why should the team do so ?????

indianpunter
on January 24, 2012, 12:58 GMT

This test is another goner. As an Indian fan, i have lost hope completely . I look forward to seeing Ajmal spinning out the hapless poms again tomorrow. At least our cousins across the border are going great guns ! Go Pakistan !

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:57 GMT

R. Ashwin. Dreams of replacing Kumble. Doesn't get embarrassed by his team getting flogged by our biggest rivals. Tall guy. Big feet. Both stuck firmly in his mouth. Good luck getting them out.

AUSOME_AWESIE
on January 24, 2012, 12:50 GMT

omg can ya even believe this boy???!!! if this aint embarrassment then pray what is??? Who even sent this guy for a press meet? i am not sure if he knows the meaning of EMBARRASSMENT... shame on ya for the attitude ya got

ranjitpp
on January 24, 2012, 12:48 GMT

"Two teams play; one has to lose," what a philosophical statement by a young lad! shame on you Ashwin..Instead of understanding the weakness..you guys making fool of us? frustrating.

Yasala1980
on January 24, 2012, 12:46 GMT

They are not embarrassed becoz they become CROREPATHIS after the worldcup.. They are not embarrassed becoz they will be getting paid even if they lose...
They are not embarrassed becoz they do not have any respect to the nation...
They are not embarrassed becoz they are shameless..
WHAT A SHAME... Aren't we missing Ganguly here? please bring DADA back..

SouthPaw
on January 24, 2012, 12:45 GMT

All you guys can do is just talk, because you are all armchair cricketers and perhaps not even played "gully cricket". You are not supporters, you are unskilled critics. That's all. I am addressing this to you guys who seem to only pass loose comments.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:34 GMT

I can understand some people are outraged by "not being embarrassed" comment.

But I think we need to give them (Indian players) benefit of doubt. May be their pride is hurt, internally they are as proud as any sports person and surely their pride might have been hurt. But they are game enough to take the results bravely and play on. Probably that's what Ashwin meant. (We might never know in what context he replied and in what context the question was asked). The Q might be a provocative one from a press person - something like Aren't you ashamed (embarrassed), and Ashwin might have replied with a bit of anger - Why should we ? (be embarrassed)

Looking at history, teams have done similar or worse performance than these and they bounced back. Nothing like the battering England (the current pretenders) got from the WI team of 80's. Cricket is a game of ups and downs. We need to understand that and move on. The game to be enjoyed. No place for personal emotions or national jingoism.

nachami
on January 24, 2012, 12:33 GMT

Come on Ashwin. I agree with you. If the players keep talking about shame, creating negative thoughts thinking about the defeats, reading all these discouraging mails, cannot come back strongly. Team - please give good efforts - leave the rest.
1. Srilanka lost to South Africa.. 2. Australia lost to New Zeland. 3. England lost to Pakistan.... so on so forth. One team to win and one to lose. We don't do our work well in our work place at times. Do we sit at home in Shame? Team would surely work on their short comings and come back strongly. Let us encourage ... Good luck India. Please read Ashwin's interview as a whole instead of picking up something in the middle and debating!!

AtticusFinch
on January 24, 2012, 12:29 GMT

I love the guys who come out for these Press Conferences - first Gambhir and now Ashwin. I wonder how they are identified to go for the Press Conferences. Most of the Press corps must be laughing their guts out after each of these interactions - complete indifference is ok, but making statements which make you the laughing stock???? After all the fiascos on the field?? Parliament needs to work on forfeiting this match, cancelling the ODIs and calling back the team to avoid more embarassment to the Nation since these flannelled fools dont get embarrassed.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:27 GMT

This irresponsible comment from a youngster, imagine what the 2 bandicoots Laxman & Rahul Dravid would say. "We will PROBABLY LOOK TO TAKE COUPLE OF WICKETS TOMORROW". So funny, "PROBABLY" "COUPLE OF WICKETS" for whole of tomorrow? Then your team is gone 4-0. Is he doing a favour by considering to take couple of wickets tomorrow? God Bless Indian cricket, a bunch of shameless losers. Apart from Sachin, Gautam & Veeru this playing 11 is of no use. Rahul & VVS should retire if they dont score runs in this test.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:22 GMT

Well this always happens with our cricketers they will never retire with grace they need to be forced out only and for a strange reason our board doesnt have guts to rebuild our team for future and like team Indian team playing a waiting game for Australian batsman to gift their wickets rather than trying to out think or outwit them our selectors are useless always waiting for these demi gods to go on their own.

Sachin doesnt even understand the meaning of word retire as he seems to be preparing himself to play alongside his Son Arjun thereby making another record a father and son together playing in one team after all he is all for records.

Well we all respect you a lot and you have done a great work over the years but for god sake now leave with dignity and give a chance to our young breed of upcoming cricketers and I am sure they wont fare worse than what current team is doing loosing 7 tests on the trot overseas.

Except few who retired gracefully in India most r pushed out.

AtticusFinch
on January 24, 2012, 12:22 GMT

"Not Embarassed"!! This is astounding, a complete state of self-denial. If these people had a shred of shame, they should and would be embarassed. But how can they be when the BCCI Chief talks in the air, the Chief Selector is least bothered and the Captain (MSD) is complete indifferent. Oh, I guess that whatever happens, they will still be fawned at by their fans and will have a few million in the bank after whatever they dish out and disgrace and embarass the nation. People in Australia are saying this is the worst team to ever tour their shores (the same comment came from the English after the 4-0 drubbing there). And these guys are still 'Not embarassed"

cric_fan__
on January 24, 2012, 12:18 GMT

"Two teams play; one has to lose," that one shouldn't be your team always. If your team plays for 5 days and then loses, then its fine, but losing in this fashion is embarrassing for the cricket fans. Play for your country not for the money, you are fit to play IPL only..........

chin-music
on January 24, 2012, 12:15 GMT

If they are still not embarassed, maybe it's high time they should be !! If nothing else, maybe they can stop embarassing the rest of us by sending guys like Ashwin/Gambhir in front of the press to make supposedly "positive" statements. How positive the real mindest is - has already been demonstrated by Gambhir's " .. if you play in my backyard , promise not to bowl over 130k, bat one handed ... then watch how I beat you"

rahulcricket007
on January 24, 2012, 12:12 GMT

FIRST VIRAT , THEN ISHANT , AFTER THEN GAMBHIR & NOW ASHWIN . THESE PLAYERS ARE SAYING THINGS WHICH ARE HURTING THE WOUNDS OF INDIAN FANS EVEN MORE .

satish619chandar
on January 24, 2012, 12:06 GMT

Not embarassed? A man with pride should be embarassed by this performance.. I doubt whether u guys are one with.. Just see the videos how competitive Sammy's men were in Indian pitches.. How Rampaul, Sammy and Edwards gave it all in the 3 tests.. They did lose but never took an opportunity to say "We played well" Instead, took the blame and put extra efforts.. It says a lot about character Ashwin.. Please stop showing brave face when cornered but not showing in efforts..

bighit14
on January 24, 2012, 12:06 GMT

Two teams play; one has to lose. Why is it that the Indian team always chose to be on the other side??? Any answer for that, ASHWIN?

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:05 GMT

Oh come on boys! this is how these Australians do to every visiting team.

rahulcricket007
on January 24, 2012, 12:01 GMT

WHY WOULD YOU BE EMBARRASED ? YOU HAVE ALREADY SUFFERED A WHITEWASH IN ENG . SO SUFFERING A WHITEWASH IS NOT NEW TO INDIAN TEAM .

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Ishant is an extra baggage, Ojha should have been in the 11. Aussies dont play spin as well as pace, Indians are feeding them with their diet, they are bound to relish. Laxman should get the boot if he fails in Adelaide.

Amit416
on January 24, 2012, 11:39 GMT

"nobody is embarrassed in your dressing room"..you are right. thats why you guys are embarrassing the whole nation. how many more humiliating defeats you want to feel a bit of embarrassement. if this is the attitude of our team then god save us plz...

indianpunter
on January 24, 2012, 11:31 GMT

Dream on , Ashwin. Australia will declare at 650/5 and India will lose 3 before the end of play tomorrow ( 45/3).
collective denial.. where is all this leading to? Mauled in Melbourne, Shredded in Sydney, Pulverised in Perth and Assaulted in Adelaide ( about to be). Stiill the belief is " all is well". By not announcing their retirements ahead of this test, Laxman and Dravid have lost the right to call time on their career. No farewells, no sentiment. It should end here and now. They have overstayed their welcome and now, unfortunately, it becomes "good riddance"!

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 11:30 GMT

I think the Indian bowlers are not showing the same dedication to discipline and accuracy as their Aussie counterparts. Umesh was horrific today. Ashwin after a good start let it go. And what was Sehwag doing? Those kind of field settings don't get you wickets? But all credit to Ponting and Clarke. Ponting showing again why old is always gold. And Clarke doing something both Dhoni and Sehwag have failed to do. Contribute to the team's cause!

teju666
on January 24, 2012, 11:29 GMT

Startling comment that Indians are not embarrassed. It is one thing to keep a positive and vibrant atmosphere in the dressing room but how can you say you are not embarrassed?? I hope some sense of shame is still alive in our overpaid celebrities.

Potatis
on January 24, 2012, 11:24 GMT

"(We will) probably look to get a couple of wickets tomorrow." LOL! I guess they'll see how they feel in the morning before making a final decision. Hahahaha

Buggsy
on January 24, 2012, 11:24 GMT

Nobody is embarrassed? Do they have no shame? Does anyone in the team even care?

Jai_Sharma
on January 24, 2012, 11:20 GMT

Yes when two teams play, one of them generally has to loose. unfortunately ashwin only one team is playing incase you did'nt notice :) 20 to 30 runs is a big deal for your batsmen - good one. another no contest and match over on day 1. not sure if this is the kind of net practice Aussie batsmen are after.

India1231
on January 24, 2012, 11:18 GMT

Agree with Ashwin on few aspects

BUT loosing a test match in 2.5 days and not embarrassed is HARD to believe

boris6491
on January 24, 2012, 11:11 GMT

I'm sorry, but they SHOULD be embarrassed. Even if one team has to lose, at least lose with some dignity. It's no wonder to me why India isn't the best team in the world despite having the most talent.

Kaze
on January 24, 2012, 11:10 GMT

Interesting, India are quite happy to be 3-0 down and facing a whitewash. Is this guy for real ?

No featured comments at the moment.

Kaze
on January 24, 2012, 11:10 GMT

Interesting, India are quite happy to be 3-0 down and facing a whitewash. Is this guy for real ?

boris6491
on January 24, 2012, 11:11 GMT

I'm sorry, but they SHOULD be embarrassed. Even if one team has to lose, at least lose with some dignity. It's no wonder to me why India isn't the best team in the world despite having the most talent.

India1231
on January 24, 2012, 11:18 GMT

Agree with Ashwin on few aspects

BUT loosing a test match in 2.5 days and not embarrassed is HARD to believe

Jai_Sharma
on January 24, 2012, 11:20 GMT

Yes when two teams play, one of them generally has to loose. unfortunately ashwin only one team is playing incase you did'nt notice :) 20 to 30 runs is a big deal for your batsmen - good one. another no contest and match over on day 1. not sure if this is the kind of net practice Aussie batsmen are after.

Buggsy
on January 24, 2012, 11:24 GMT

Nobody is embarrassed? Do they have no shame? Does anyone in the team even care?

Potatis
on January 24, 2012, 11:24 GMT

"(We will) probably look to get a couple of wickets tomorrow." LOL! I guess they'll see how they feel in the morning before making a final decision. Hahahaha

teju666
on January 24, 2012, 11:29 GMT

Startling comment that Indians are not embarrassed. It is one thing to keep a positive and vibrant atmosphere in the dressing room but how can you say you are not embarrassed?? I hope some sense of shame is still alive in our overpaid celebrities.

dummy4fb
on January 24, 2012, 11:30 GMT

I think the Indian bowlers are not showing the same dedication to discipline and accuracy as their Aussie counterparts. Umesh was horrific today. Ashwin after a good start let it go. And what was Sehwag doing? Those kind of field settings don't get you wickets? But all credit to Ponting and Clarke. Ponting showing again why old is always gold. And Clarke doing something both Dhoni and Sehwag have failed to do. Contribute to the team's cause!

indianpunter
on January 24, 2012, 11:31 GMT

Dream on , Ashwin. Australia will declare at 650/5 and India will lose 3 before the end of play tomorrow ( 45/3).
collective denial.. where is all this leading to? Mauled in Melbourne, Shredded in Sydney, Pulverised in Perth and Assaulted in Adelaide ( about to be). Stiill the belief is " all is well". By not announcing their retirements ahead of this test, Laxman and Dravid have lost the right to call time on their career. No farewells, no sentiment. It should end here and now. They have overstayed their welcome and now, unfortunately, it becomes "good riddance"!

Amit416
on January 24, 2012, 11:39 GMT

"nobody is embarrassed in your dressing room"..you are right. thats why you guys are embarrassing the whole nation. how many more humiliating defeats you want to feel a bit of embarrassement. if this is the attitude of our team then god save us plz...